Understanding the Interaction between zkEVM and Ethereum Layer 1

Ethereum has been one of the most popular blockchain platforms, known for its ability to execute smart contracts and power decentralized applications. However, the network has been facing some challenges in terms of scalability and transaction fees. In response, the Ethereum community has been exploring different solutions to address these issues, and one of them is the zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM).

In this thread, we'll take a closer look at how zkEVM interacts with Ethereum Layer 1.

Firstly, it's important to understand what zkEVM is. It's a layer 2 solution that uses zero-knowledge proofs to verify transactions off-chain, which helps to reduce gas costs and increase transaction throughput. In other words, zkEVM allows for more transactions to be processed without congesting the Ethereum network. However, it's not a standalone solution and needs to interact with the Ethereum Layer 1.

The interaction between zkEVM and Ethereum Layer 1 happens through smart contracts. When a user wants to use zkEVM, they first need to create a smart contract on the Ethereum network. This contract is called a "zkSync contract," and it's used to lock up ETH or ERC-20 tokens. Once the tokens are locked, the user can interact with zkEVM to execute transactions off-chain.

When a transaction is executed on zkEVM, it's verified through zero-knowledge proofs, which are then submitted to the zkSync contract on the Ethereum Layer 1. The zkSync contract then updates the user's balance on Ethereum Layer 1, reflecting the transaction that was executed off-chain. This means that the transaction is validated on Ethereum Layer 1, even though it was executed off-chain through zkEVM.

In summary, zkEVM interacts with Ethereum Layer 1 through smart contracts. It allows for more transactions to be processed off-chain, which helps to reduce gas costs and increase transaction throughput. However, the transactions are still validated on Ethereum Layer 1 through a zkSync contract, ensuring their security and validity. As the Ethereum community continues to explore different solutions to address scalability and transaction fees, zkEVM is emerging as a promising solution that could help to address these challenges.